Southern Splendor 2 for 15 Night 16 Days

Tour Detail

Chennai - Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. It is a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.

Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city is the gateway to the south, providing many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage.

Mamalipuram - Mamallapuram, 60 km/39 Mile south of Chennai, is an ancient seaside town, where you could see splendid specimens of Pallava art which flourished from about 600 to 750 AD. The monuments of Mamallapuram, most of them rock-cut, belong to the earliest phase of Dravidian temple architecture. Mythological episodes, epic battles, demons, gods, animals, all vividly depicted on the wall sculptures are breathtaking real and artistic.

Though it is no longer a port ,Mamallapuram has retained its fame,thanks to the great Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and the jewel in the crown of the Pallava contribution to Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and naturel have also eroded the remains of this once great port.

Pondicherry - With a coast line of 32 kms, well-planned French Boulevard town, palm-fringed beaches, resorts, backwaters, water sports centre, fishing villages, harbour, the pier, the famous Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville, world-renowned Yoga centres and other attractions, Pondicherry is the ideal place to spend your holidays with your family. There's something for every one.

The origin of Pondicherry is buried in legends. According to one view, the town was once called Vedapuri and was a seat of Vedic culture, and the abode of Sage Agastya. Prof. Jonvean Dubrouil, the French archeologist believes that the Ashram of Agastya was on the very spot where the main building of Sri Aurobindo Ashram stands today.

Remnants of an ancient port town have been excavated at Arikamedu, 6 kms from Pondicherry town, clearly proving that it had trade connections with Rome and Greece, around the period 100 BC and 100 AD.

Madurai - An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan Kind Kulasekara. Legend has it that drops of Maduram (nectar) fell from Lord Shiva's locks when he cam to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai's history can be divided into roughly four periods, beginning over 2000 years ago when it was the capital of the Pandyan Kings. Apart from a brief period when it fell to the cholas, Madurai remain. ed with the pandyas until the decline of the empire. The 2000 year old reign of the Nayaks marked the golden era where art, architecture and learning scaled new heights. But unlike the other temple cities of Tamil Nadu whose fame relies heavily on the fabulous contributions of great empires, Madurai, though undoubtedly known first and foremost for the Meenakshi temple, is very much modern and progressive city

Thekkady - This is the one of best known wild life centres in India. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary here, offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat. There are excellent services to Kumily from Kottayam from both the KSRTC bus stand and the Nagampadom Private bus stand. The journey takes about 4 hours. Kumily is also accessible from Madurai. Thekkady is 4 km from Kumily. The forest department runs a bus service (Rs. 5) to the sanctuary from Kumily though the bus is not regular, one can reasonably expect it to make a trip once in 2 hours. Autorickshaw fare will be Rs. 40 from the Kumily bus station. Walking or cycling through the shady roads is also a good alternative.

Kumarakom - Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributories along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.

The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala which play a main role in the economy of the state links remote villages and islands with the main land. The water ways provide a cheap and economical mode of transport. The water ways of Kuttanad is now a big attraction for tourist. It is incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. The scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of breath-taking greens and deep blues. Boat rides are available for tourist and others at nominal rates.

Alleppy - With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water river criss crossing it, Alappuzha (Alleppy) is a district immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Itinerary

Day-02 : Local Sightseeing of Chennai full day. With English Speaking Guide

Day-03 :Chennai - Mahabalipuram
Drive to Mahabalipuram offers a unique combination of a superb group of monuments and several fine beaches. On arrival installation in hotel

Day-04 :Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Leave by surface to Pondicharry enroute visit Auroville, is the brain child of the mother. Designed by French architect Roger Anger, its opening ceromony on 28th Feb, 1968. It was attended by representatives of 121 countries, who poured the soil of their lands in to an arn to symbolise universal one. The Matrimandir here was designed to be the spiritual and physical centre of Auroville. Afternoon sightseeing of Pondicherry visit Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay

Day-05 :Pondicherry - Thanjavur-Trichy
After breakfast drive to Thanjavur enroute visit Chidambaram & Kumbakonam. The Lord in Chidambaram i.e Nataraja is believed to have emerged from sacred space and performed his cosmic dance here. Kumbakonam named from the ledgend where Shiva was said to have broken a " Kumbh " ( Water Pot ) that contained the seeds of creation after it was brought here by a great flood. The water from the pot is reputed to have filled the Mahamakam Tank. Afternoon temple tour of Thanjavur. Overnight stay at Thanjavur or Trichy.

Day-06 :Thanjavur - Madurai
Leave by surface to Madurai enroute visit Tiruchirapalli also known as Trichy, long history goes back to before the Christian era when it was Chola citadel. During the first millennium AD, both the Pallavas and the Pandyas took power many times before the Cholas regained control in the 10th century. The town and its most famous land marks, the rock fort temple were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. Arrive Madurai. Overnight stay

Day-07 :Madurai - Periyar
Drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Game viewing and excursion by boats inside the santuary. To watch the wild life. Overnight stay.

Day-08 :Periyar -Visit to Spice Plantations and relex.

Day-09: Drive to Kumarakom and stay at Back Water Resort and relex at Coconut Lagoon. .

Day 10- At Coconut Lagoon

Day-11: Pick up by House Boat at Kumarakom and move to Alleppy. Stay overnight in the house boat.

Day-12: By Noon Transfer from Alleppy to Cochin Relax and Evening Kathakali Show.

Day - 13: This morning tour the city visiting, Mattancherry Palace the nearby merchant house and a fine Synagogue. Also visit Fort Cochin and St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. In the afternoon take a motor launch cruise around the picturesque harbour to see Bolghatty Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Overnight stay

Day-15 :In Kovalam
Day for beach activities and Ayurveda rejivunation etc. Overnight stay
Kovalam : India's most spectacular beach is a sheltered natural bay. Enjoy the luxury of its sun and surf. A beach paradise, boundless blue of the Arabian sea and the unwinding miles. Visit to Kanyakumari.